SWAKOPMUND – The youth are increasingly advocating for a more inclusive role in shaping policies that directly affect their lives, particularly in areas such as education, curriculum development and social development.

This is according to Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) Erongo regional leader, Adele Mkunqwana, who was a panellist at a youth engagement with Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Swakopmund on Saturday evening. Mkunqwana called for equitable access to quality education across all areas, emphasising that resources should be distributed not just in urban centres but also in smaller towns.

“We want the challenges and aspirations of young people in Namibia addressed, and more focus should be directed towards youth representation and the transformation of the education system,” she expressed.

She also questioned the relevance of the current curriculum and called for subjects that align with the unique economic and geographical characteristics of the region, such as its fishing and mining industries.

Meanwhile, a member of the Children’s Parliament, Gerson Neumbo, encouraged youth to join organisations like the Junior Town Council and Nanso to participate in community service and advocacy, ensuring realistic expectations in engagements with the government.

Neumbo, however, outlined challenges such as distance and other circumstances that can hinder youth participation and therefore highlighted the need to establish and promote these organisations across the entire country.

“By engaging in policy and advocacy, youth can raise awareness about critical issues through various means, including social media campaigns, public speaking, and organising events to build support for important causes,” he added.

In her reflection, the Vice President underscored the critical role of youth in shaping Namibia’s future. She emphasised the need for quality education, noting the significant strides in enrolment rates since 1990 and the ongoing efforts to integrate technology in schools to better prepare students for the job market.

“Our children deserve the best education now that they have access to it, and the government is ensuring that all Namibian children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to education and the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s development,” she noted.

She also highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing mental health issues, calling for a national dialogue and targeted policies to tackle these challenges. -Nampa